Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes Trek
Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes Trek Facts
Trip Duration
17 Days
Country
Nepal
Region
Everest
Activities
Trekking
Grade
Challenging
Max Altitude
Kalapatthar (5,555 m)
Best Season
March-May & Sept-Dec
Accomodation
Hotel/Lodge/ Tea House
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Start-End Point
Kathmandu-Kathmandu
Trip Difficulty
Difficult
Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes Trek Trip Overview
If you’re planning a trek to Everest Base Camp by taking a less-used path to witness its beauty, you must consider the Gokyo Lakes to Everest Base Camp trek. This route takes trekkers to Everest Base Camp through Cho La Pass, a high mountain pass.
The trek to Everest Base Camp and the breathtaking scenery of the Gokyo Lakes are combined in the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek. This trek takes you through several shrines and prayer flags, as well as stunning meadows that are used as yak pastures.
The journey to Everest Base Camp will lead you past amazing suspension bridges, and Buddhist monasteries. During the trek, you will witness several notable peaks besides Mount Everest, such as Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam.
Located in the heart of the Himalayas, the main entry point to the Everest region is the flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Enjoying the view of the vibrant rhododendron garden surrounded by snow-covered mountains, this flight will provide you with a lifetime experience.
Trekkers will get an exceptional opportunity to visit two of the most beautiful locations in the Himalayas on this challenging trek. The residents of this region are the Shrepas who celebrate their major festival Gyalpo Losar during February. This festival is considered their New Year which they celebrate worshipping and dancing together.
You’ll get to visit Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can find hemlock and pine forests and wildlife such as martens, musk deer, and the Himalayan mouse hare (pika) in the lower region whereas vegetation like fir, juniper, birch, and colorful rhododendron forests in the upper region.
Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes Trek Highlights
- Majestic flights from Kathmandu to Lukla.
- Exploring Namche Bazaar, which is the capital of the Sherpa.
- Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- The breathtaking view of Khumbu Ice Fall.
- Stunning views from 5,483 m above sea level at Gokyo Ri.
- Gokyo Lake, Cho La Pass (5,368 m), and Hidden Gokyo Valley.
- Tall suspension bridges, colorful prayer flags, mani stones, and prayer wheels.
- Travelling to the highest-altitude airport in the world.
- Everest Base Camp (5,364m).
- Magnificent views of peaks higher than 8000 meters.
- Visiting Edmund Hillary funded schools and hospital.
Detailed Itinerary
Upon receiving your visa at immigration, a representative from your reserved stay will take you to your designated lodging. You may enjoy warm, authentic Nepalese food after you arrive and freshen up.
You can take a walk through Thamel’s streets after your lunch. Following your currency exchange at banks or private exchange centers, you can take advantage of Thamel’s lively nightlife in bars and clubs. You may also fetch any forgotten trekking stuff from nearby stores in Thamel.
Max Altitude:
1400 m
After enjoying your breakfast you can take a 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla enjoying the heavenly view of the rhododendron garden surrounded by the mountains. In case of unavailability of flights from Kathmandu, you can enjoy a 5-6 hour ride to Manthali from where you can take a 35-minute flight to Lukla.
A panoramic view of the Himalayas can be seen throughout this journey. After arriving in Lukla, the trek starts with an easy trek through Chaurikharka village before descending to the Dudhkoshi Ghat. The Dudhkoshi River’s bank is followed until you reach Phakding.
Max Altitude:
2840 m
You will continue the trek up the Dudh Koshi the following morning, passing cedar and pine forests from the Himalayas to the famous Namche Bazaar village. After two hours of hiking through some incredible scenery, including breathtaking views of the mesmerizing Mount Everest, you will finally reach Namche.
You enter Sagarmatha National Park at Jorsale, where authorities will check your permit. You will make it to Namche Bazaar after another five or six hours of trekking.
Max Altitude:
3,440 m
Duration:
5-6 hours
This day is set aside for acclimatization. It is done for you to adapt to a new temperature, altitude, climate, and environment. For breathtaking views of Lhotse, Amadablam, Tawache, and Everest, you will trek to Syangboche Airport (3700m), which is thought to be the highest airport in the world. From there, you will continue climbing to the Everest View Hotel.
After trekking through the towns of Khunde and Khumjung for a day, where you can witness breathtaking vistas of Everest, you will head back to Namche.
Max Altitude:
3,880 m
Duration:
4-5 hours
You start your day by enjoying your breakfast at Namche and then proceed towards Phorste Thanga enjoying the view of Mt. Khumbi La and Mt. Ama Dablam from Mong La Pass. You will ultimately reach Phortse Tenga after following a path that winds downhill through forests of pine and rhododendrons.
Max Altitude:
3,680 m
Duration:
5-6 hours
On this day you’ll start your trek by ascending towards Dole. Further ascending the trial you can observe a great view of Kengtega and Cho Oyu across the valley. Moving downward towards the river, you’ll make another tough ascent to the terminal moraine of the Ngozumpa glacier.
After a few hours, you’ll finally reach your destination for the day, Machherma. You’ll be staying at a lodge enjoying the view of the surrounding.
Max Altitude:
4,470 m
Duration:
5-6 hours
On this day, after enjoying your breakfast you’ll start your hike towards the high grazing grounds and arrive at Phanga. The tributes for those who died in the landslides can be observed in this area. As you ascend the trails become narrower, you will then reach the entrance of the first Gokyo Lake, the smallest of the five main Gokyo lakes.
Located on a hill in the center of the Gokyo Valley, you can see the famous Gokyo Ri viewpoint. There are five lakes altogether, some of which are partially frozen even in March or April. Gokyo Lakes is home to golden Brahminy ducks, which adds beauty to the existing masterpiece. You will be sleeping at a guesthouse in Gokyo Valley for this today.
Max Altitude:
4,800 m
Duration:
5-6 hours
You will tour the valley on the eighth day, which is your acclimatization day at Gokyo. To get a broad perspective of the Mahalangur Himalayan range, rise early and climb Gokyo-Ri.
You can see Cho-Oyu, Gyachung Kang, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cholatse, and Tawache, as well as the largest glacier in Nepal, the Ngozumpa glacier, after the two-hour journey to the summit.
You will return to Gokyo Ri after around four hours of walking around, recover, and spend the remainder of the day taking in the breathtaking views of the area.
Max Altitude:
5,483 m
Duration:
5-6 hours
On this day you’ll start trekking to the base of Cho La Pass. After 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Thangna. Due to its distant location, accommodations in Thangna will be very basic and in a room that is part of a dormitory.
Max Altitude:
4,500 m
Duration:
4-5 hours
To avoid the terrible weather, you’ll begin your trek at dawn across the glacier moraines and rough paths to the summit of Cho La Pass. Following a few hours of trekking, you will reach the summit of Cho La Pass, which will reward you with breathtaking views of Mt. Cholatse (6,440m) and Cho La Lake.
After almost seven hours of trekking, you will arrive at Dzongla, the final destination for the day.
Max Altitude:
5,368 m
Duration:
7-8 Hours
On this day, after enjoying your breakfast you’ll continue on your trek for about 4-5 hours. You finally reach your destination for the day, Lobuche where you’ll be staying at a teahouse.
Max Altitude:
4,910 m
Duration:
4-5 hours
The journey to Everest Base Camp is the day that many have been looking forward to! The day begins with an incredible trek from Lobuche that gradually rises towards the Khumbu Glacier. To reach Everest Base Camp, you continue on the recently constructed mountainous path.
It’s thrilling to be close to the tallest peak in the world. Once you have completed the round of the tallest peak, you return and spend the night at Gorak Shep.
Max Altitude:
5,364 m
Duration:
7-8 hours
On this day, you will leave Gorak Shep and trek to Kala Patthar in time to see Everest Mountain’s sunrise. The sights you are going to see will be unlike anything you have ever seen before.
You will descend to Gorak Shep for breakfast and then take a little break after spending some time at the Kala Patthar viewpoint. You’ll then trek towards Pheriche to accommodate in a teahouse for the day.
Max Altitude:
(5,555m)
On this day, you’ll retrace your steps back to Namche Bazaar from Pheriche after enjoying a warm hearty breakfast. You pass through Pangboche and Tengboche on your descent and will finally arrive at Namche Bazaar.
Max Altitude:
3,440 m
On this day, your trek continues for almost seven hours after crossing the Dudh Kosi River to the little mountain airfield at Lukla. Once you arrive in Lukla, one of the most beautiful places, you can take a day off and observe the way of life of the Sherpa people who reside there.
Max Altitude:
2,840 m
Duration:
6-7 hours
Following breakfast, you can fly from Lukla to Kathmandu for 40 minutes while taking in the breathtaking views of the mountain-ringed rhododendron garden. If there are no flights to Kathmandu from Lukla, you can fly to Manthali and then take a ride from Manthali to Kathmandu.
Max Altitude:
1400 m
On the last day of your trip back to your home country, the hotel staff will customarily say goodbye by giving you a bouquet and a “khadha.” The hotel personnel will greet you and wish you a safe journey before escorting you to the airport.
Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes Trek Info
Best Time of the Trek
You have to select a season that will give you the best chance to see the most stunning landscapes and majestic mountains because trekking experiences are impacted by the weather.
Unfortunately, this region has erratic weather, and unforeseen circumstances can arise at any time of year. The best times of year to visit this place, however, are thought to be spring (March-May) and fall (September–November).
January to February
This time of year is the coldest, especially in early January and early February. During this winter, the mountain receives a lot of snowfall, which can cause temperatures to drop significantly.
If you have a cold allergy during these months, trekking is not advised. However, DWT will also lead safe and secure treks during these seasons if you’re willing to put in the work.
Temperature: 15°C to -15°C
March to April
Since the weather is so good, this is one of the best times of year to trek at the Everest Base Camp. You will be able to see the Himalayan mountain ranges and their beautiful glaciers.
March brings with it the return of winter-dormant plants and animals as the weather warms.
In mid-March, the temperature rises, and the snow-capped mountains look stunning when the sky is clear.
Temperature: 18 °C to -12 °C
May to June
It’s also the best time of year to go trekking, right before the rainy season begins. In Nepal, the rainy season lasts from the end of June until the middle of August. The trek is more comfortable at this time of year because it’s warmer than at other times.
Temperature: 25°C to -5°C
July to August
The rainy season reaches its peak below 3,500 meters during this time of year. Even though heavy rains may cause flights from Luka to Kathmandu or Kathmandu to Luka to be delayed, trekkers still travel to Everest Base Camp during these months.
During the monsoon season, the trails are less crowded and the waterfall can be viewed wonderfully. The trek is challenging, but not impossible.
Temperature: 27°C to 5°C
September to October
Many trekkers visit EBC during these months because it is one of the greatest times of year for the EBC Trek. An environment with comfortable temperatures that is perfect for trekking finally emerges when the monsoon comes to a close. We strongly suggest that you trek right now.
Temperature: 20°C to 5°C
November to December
In November, snow starts to fall in the trekking areas as winter draws closer. At night, it becomes colder. December is a particularly cold month, and the paths are covered in snow. Hiking is not advised during this time.
Temperature: 18°C to – 10°C
Trek Difficulty
With a maximum elevation of almost 5,000 meters, the Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes trek is a challenging trekking route. The trail goes through numerous side valleys and high-altitude mountain passes, with you walking for six or seven hours per day.
There are limited emergency services and medical facilities, which could be problematic if someone becomes ill or is severely hurt. The trek’s difficulty is determined by your level of ability and fitness. Although it’s not technically challenging, trekkers should be ready for steep ascents and descents due to the high altitude.
Everest Base Camp with Gokyo Lakes Trek Trip FAQS
Yes, you must have a TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management Systems) card and permission to enter Sagarmatha National Park.
Bottled water is generally available and reasonably priced, however, most trekking locations prohibit the use of plastic bottles. As a result, you should always have a water bottle with either boiling or filtered water or mineral water in it.
Bringing water purification tablets or drops from your native country to Nepal is advised. To be safe, you can also buy filtration products to filter your water.
The lodging options vary from simple teahouses to cozier lodges with modern facilities. Depending on the package you select, the degree of comfort and facilities will vary.
There is WIFI available for purchase on the Everest Base Camp Trek. WiFi is available in several places along the trail. However, Everest Base Camp, the journey’s highest point, does not have WIFI.
Having a guide is optional when hiking in the Everest region. But for your own safety, it’s best to have it. Even seasoned trekkers should not take trekking the Himalayan paths lightly.
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